The Eyes Have It: Conjunctivitis

The change from summer to fall and winter brings different problems to each of us. For some, the seasonal changes bring the all-too-familiar allergies, colds, and flu. For others it brings conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is a thin, transparent layer that covers the inner eyelid and the white part of the eye.

The symptoms of conjunctivitis can run from annoying to painful, and include:

Red, watery eyes

Inflamed inner eyelids

Scratchy feeling in the eyes

Itchy eyes

Pus-like or watery discharge

Sensitivity to light

Swelling of the eyelid

Types of Conjunctivitis

There are five types of conjunctivitis:

Allergic, which occurs with exposure to allergens such as pollen, pet hair, or dander

Chemical, which occurs with exposure to irritants such as hairspray and pollutants

Ophthalmia neonatorum, which occurs when an infant's tear ducts are not completely opened or if the infant is exposed to bacteria in the birth canal

Bacterial conjunctivitis, which occurs with exposure to some sort of bacteria

Viral conjunctivitis, which is caused by a virus

Removing Triggers

The best way to treat allergic and chemical conjunctivitis is to remove the allergen or pollutant from your daily environment. You should also:

Flush your eyes with cold water.

Avoid rubbing your eyes.

Apply a cold compress.

Avoid using eye makeup and contacts.

Preventing Conjunctivitis from Spreading

Both bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are contagious. If you get either of these types of conjunctivitis, measures should be taken to avoid spreading the condition to your other eye or to other people. These measures include:

Wash your hands thoroughly and often.

Avoid rubbing the infected eye or eyes.

Do not share towels, pillowcases, or handkerchiefs with others, and use these items only once before washing.

Place a clean towel over the pillowcase each night to avoid re-infection.

Do not share eye makeup with others, especially eyeliner and mascara. And avoid using any eye makeup at all while you are suffering from any type of conjunctivitis.

If your child gets bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, you should keep them out of school for a few days. Otherwise, it is not uncommon for the condition to spread throughout an entire class.

When to Seek Treatment

Conjunctivitis will often go away by itself, but if not, it can be cured relatively easily. However, certain types of conjunctivitis, if left untreated, can cause permanent damage to your cornea and impair your vision permanently. You should immediately seek treatment if:

You develop redness or discomfort in your eye that is affecting your vision.

The redness and discomfort in your eye starts to become painful, or a yellow or green discharge begins to develop.

You have a newborn child whose eyes are inflamed and are not producing tears. This may be a sign of ophthalmia neonatorum which, if not treated quickly, can lead to permanent eye damage.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.